Veterans Voice Concerns Over Expanded Weapons Access on Military Bases

Hegseth memo aims to streamline personal firearm approval process for service members

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:38am

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Veterans in the Savannah, Georgia area near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield have shared mixed reactions to a recent memo signed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that expands access for service members to bring personal weapons on military installations. While some support the decision as a way for troops to defend themselves, others believe it poses more harm than good, citing mental health concerns and the risk of increased violence.

Why it matters

The issue of weapons access on military bases is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. This decision by Hegseth has the potential to impact the safety and wellbeing of service members, and it highlights the ongoing challenges the military faces in addressing mental health and suicide prevention.

The details

Prior Defense Department policy prohibited service members from carrying personal weapons without permission from a senior commander. Hegseth's memo streamlines this process, making it easier for service members to carry weapons for personal protection. Some veterans, like Joe Higgins, support the decision, saying it gives troops the ability to defend themselves. However, others like Billy House and Corey Foreman believe the decision is a mistake, arguing that mental health issues, not increased weapons access, should be the focus.

  • In August, a soldier allegedly shot four soldiers and a civilian worker at Fort Stewart. The suspect was in court this week and told the court he used the shooting as a way to provoke military police to shoot him because he was suicidal.
  • In 2024, 471 service members died by suicide in the country.

The players

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of War who signed the memo expanding weapons access on military bases.

Joe Higgins

A 10-year active duty Army veteran who supports the decision, saying it gives service members the ability to defend themselves.

Billy House

A 12-year Navy veteran who believes the decision is a mistake, citing mental health issues among service members.

Corey Foreman

A U.S. Army veteran who was stationed at Fort Stewart and is currently running for District 1 state Senate, who believes the decision is not the answer to addressing the military's mental health crisis.

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What they’re saying

“It's both good and bad.”

— Joe Higgins, 10-year active duty Army veteran

“I don't think this was a decision made for the health and wellbeing of anybody it is a decision that was made to earn political capital.”

— Billy House, 12-year Navy veteran

“He's not talking about, 'oh wow we have a mental health issue at Fort Stewart', he's saying 'oh wow we have a problem and I think more people need firearms to handle the mental health crisis themselves', that's not the answer.”

— Corey Foreman, U.S. Army veteran, District 1 state Senate candidate

What’s next

The Department of Defense is expected to provide more guidance and details on the implementation of the new weapons access policy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing debate around balancing service member safety and mental health concerns with the desire to empower troops to defend themselves. As the military grapples with high suicide rates and incidents of violence, finding the right approach to weapons access on bases will be crucial.